2025 Luncheon Speaker
Heather Beaner
Heather Beaner operates Wal-Di Inc., a family farm growing corn and soybeans south of Mellette in Spink County. The operation practices no-till and precision planting across all acres. A 1998 graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law, Heather spent 12 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a JAG officer attorney before coming home to farm with her father, Wayne Larson, in 2011. She retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force Reserves in 2019. The farm has transitioned to Heather’s management and Wayne is semi-retired. Heather’s husband, Matt, recently joined her on the farm, having previously been the president of a commercial general contractor. The couple has one son, Gabriel.
Heather serves as the First Vice President for the Agtegra Cooperative Board of Directors, headquartered in Aberdeen, SD, having been on the board since December 2019. She was also on the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council from 2019 to 2024. She serves in leadership positions in the local American Legion Post and Auxiliary, along with serving on the Governing Board and in teaching positions at her church. Heather is active in the local rural school district, serving on the FFA Supporters Committee and as a substitute teacher. Along with her public service, Heather often speaks at various conferences, trainings and groups meetings. She has also been featured in numerous publications such as Successful Farming, Dakota Farmer and SD Soybean Leader.
2025 Closing Speaker
Courtney J. Deinert
Courtney and her husband, Jarod, farm near Mt. Vernon as the fourth generation on the homestead and are raising the fifth. She also works as Communications Director for the Mitchell Catholic Parishes and recently started an AirBnb business. Courtney will give her witness to God’s work in her life and send off conference attendees with an inspiring message!